As mothers organizing for climate justice, we know that today’s stories shape the next generation of problem solvers and environmental stewards. When we read with our children about Black environmental leaders, past and present, we’re not just celebrating history but building the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Nature for Our Littlest Ones (Ages 0-3)

Books can connect even our youngest children to nature. The book Little Naturalists: George Washington Carver Loved Plants introduces the simple joy of growing things, while Harlem Grown tells the real-life story of a Black-led community garden project.

Family Discussion Starters:

• “What colors do you see in the garden?”
• “How do the leaves feel when you touch them?”
• “What sounds do we hear outside?”

Bringing Stories to Life: Grow a windowsill herb garden together. Take “story walks” to touch and explore leaves and flowers. Point out plants and pollinators when outdoors.

Exploring the Outdoors (Ages 3-6)

Children begin forming deeper connections to the world around them at this age. The book Where’s Rodney? captures the magic of experiencing nature, while Saving American Beach introduces MaVynee Betsch and Hazel Johnson’s fight to protect a historically Black beach and advocate for environmental justice.

Family Discussion Starters:

• “What’s your favorite thing about going to the park?”
• “Why do you think keeping beaches and parks clean is important?”
• “How does being in nature make you feel?”

Hands-On Nature Fun: Turn walks into nature scavenger hunts. Collect nature “treasures” (leaves, acorns, rocks). Draw favorite outdoor discoveries. Make simple bird feeders to welcome wildlife.

Young Environmental Champions (Ages 7-10)

Children at this stage can begin understanding environmental action. The book Harlem Grown shows how a community transformed a vacant lot into a thriving garden, while Jayden’s Impossible Garden proves that nature can flourish anywhere — even in cities. The book No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History features young Black American activist Mari Copeny (“Little Miss Flint”). She is celebrated for her advocacy during the Flint water crisis when she raised awareness about unsafe drinking water in her community.

Family Discussion Starters:

• “What would you grow in a community garden?”
• “How could we make our neighborhood greener?”
• “Why do you think gardens are important for communities?”
• “How can kids like Mari Copeny make a difference in their communities?”

Making a Difference at Home: Start a container garden with fruits, vegetables, or flowers. Visit local community gardens to learn about urban farming. Write letters to support green spaces in your community. Create a family plan to reduce waste and compost.

Digging Deeper (Ages 11-13)

Books like The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver and The Adventures of Young Solomon Brown highlight how curiosity about nature can lead to innovation and conservation. These stories help kids see how science, history, and environmentalism are connected. The book Carver: A Life in Poems by Marilyn Nelson provides a compelling and revealing portrait of George Washington Carver’s complex life through poetry, making his scientific and artistic achievements accessible and engaging for younger readers.

Family Discussion Starters:

• “What environmental problems do you notice in our community?”
• “How did George Washington Carver use science to help people?”
• “What experiments would you like to try with plants?”
• “How does poetry help us understand history differently?”

Hands-On Learning: Start a composting project at home. Conduct plant experiments (e.g., test different soils.) Research local environmental challenges. Join a neighborhood clean-up effort.

Youth Advocates in Action (Ages 14-18)

Teens can be influential environmental leaders. The book We Have a Dream: Meet 30 Young Indigenous People and People of Color Protecting the Planet introduces young activists of color working for climate justice today, including Zanagee Artis, the founder of @ThisIsZeroHour, a U.S.-based activist working on climate justice. The book One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet also highlights real-world environmental leaders.

Family Discussion Starters:

• “What environmental justice issues matter most to you?”
• “How can young people make a difference in climate action?”
• “What changes would you like to see in our community?”

Opportunities for Leadership: Research local environmental justice issues and solutions. Connect with advocacy groups working on clean energy and conservation. Start a school or neighborhood environmental club. Attend community planning meetings to speak up for green spaces.

Books for Teens and Adults

The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham

In this deeply personal memoir, J. Drew Lanham reflects on his life as a Black birder, naturalist, and professor of wildlife ecology in the American South. Blending family history, racial identity, and a profound love for nature, Lanham explores the systemic barriers that have shaped African Americans’ relationship with the outdoors. His poetic storytelling highlights the joys and challenges of being a Black conservationist.

Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors by Carolyn Finney

This book examines how historical and systemic barriers have shaped African Americans’ relationships with nature and outdoor spaces. It offers a critical lens on environmental justice and representation.

Toxic Communities: Environmental Racism, Industrial Pollution, and Residential Mobility by Dorceta E. Taylor

This work explores how low-income communities of color are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and highlights grassroots activism against these injustices.

Before the Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Urgent Call for Climate Solutions by Heather McTeer Toney

A compelling narrative that connects climate change to social justice issues Black Americans face, offering practical solutions for equitable climate action.

The Colors of Nature: Culture, Identity, and the Natural World edited by Alison H. Deming and Lauret E. Savoy

This anthology includes essays from diverse voices exploring intersections between identity, culture, and environmental justice.

Beyond Black History Month

Black environmental leaders have shaped the world in ways that should be celebrated year-round. Each book we read, seed we plant, and action we take helps build momentum for positive change.

Let’s use these stories as springboards for family conversations and community action. Together, we can nurture the next generation of environmental advocates who understand the importance of justice, community, and conservation.